Water Quality Reclassification
All the waters, both surface waters and ground waters, of the state are currently assigned a classification. In accordance with section 22a-426(f) of the Connecticut General Statutes, a person may request a change in the surface or ground water quality classifications. Such reclassifications are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be consistent with the standards and criteria established by the Connecticut Water Quality Standards.
Ground Water Reclassifications Applications for changes to ground water classifications are due March 30 of each year. The procedure is set out in section 22a-426(f) of the Connecticut General Statutes and the criteria for consideration are set out in Section 22a-426-7(k)(2) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Amendments to the Remediation Standard Regulations were adopted on February 16, 2021. The amendments include a provision for Alternative Groundwater Protection Criteria, which allow for less stringent groundwater clean-up standards for sites where the long-term goal is GA, but there is no existing or potential use of the groundwater for drinking. Applicants interested in submitting a request for a Ground Water Classification Change should first review this new provision to determine whether conditions at their site meet the Alternative Groundwater Protection Criteria.
- Application for Groundwater Classification Change MSWord, PDF; Instructions
- Revised Guidance for the Submission of Applications to Lower Ground Water Quality Classifications to Class GB March 2022
Questions regarding ground water reclassifications may be directed to Traci Iott at (860) 424-3082 or Traci.Iott@ct.gov
Archive of Ground Water Quality Reclassifications
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications for three sites in the vicinity of 23 St. Clair Avenue, New Britain: 61-71 Minerva Street, Derby; and 2 Meadow Street, Norwalk. (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing September 9, 2021; Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications to Class GC for the Wheelabrator Putnam Ash Residue Landfill expansion in the vicinity of 200 Technology Park Drive, Putnam, CT (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing July 14, 2021; Final Language and Statement of Reasons; Exhibits)
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications for six sites in the vicinity of 10 Hillside Rd., Greenwich; 41-47 Main St., New Milford; 1 and 63 West Main St., Plainville; 100 Riverside Ave., Plymouth (Terryville); 293 New Litchfield St., Torrington; and 214 Church St., Wethersfield. (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing December 9, 2020; Final Language and Statement of Reasons).
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications for three sites in the vicinity of Sebethe Dr., Cromwell; 543, 545, 593 and 613 Washington St., Middletown; and 10 White St., Winchester. (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing July 11, 2018; Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications for five sites in the vicinity of 15 Durant Avel, Bethel; 79 River Rd., Cromwell; 2093 Boston Post Rd., Fairfield; 511 Washington Ave., North Haven; and 31 North Ave., Norwalk. (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing July 26, 2017; Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications for a site in the vicinity of 42 Pink Row, Montville. (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing December 1, 2016: Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classifications for three sites in the vicinity of 1 Technology Dr., Killingly; 80 Sheldon Rd., Manchester; and 75 Neal Court, Plainville (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing July 20, 2016; Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision to the ground water quality in the vicinity of 261 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing June 24, 2015: Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision to the ground water quality classifications in the vicinity of 12 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing June 25, 2014: Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a revision of the ground water quality classification in the vicinity of 100 Kenna Drive, North Haven (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing July 1, 2013: Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
- Commissioner approved a reclassification of the ground water quality classification of a site at 1620 Park St, Hartford (Ground Water Reclassification Hearing May 31, 2012: Final Language and Statement of Reasons)
Surface Water Reclassifications
For information on surface water reclassification, contact Traci Iott at (860) 424-3082 or traci.iott@ct.gov
Content last updated on April 6, 2023